Our business advice services

For businesses based within the borough, we aim to provide an initial level of general advice and guidance (where possible) on relevant trading standards legal matters. This may include direction to another source of information, including the business companion website.

Where in-depth officer time may be required for specific or complex tasks, including site visits. Then chargeable services with a minimum fee will apply. It may even be beneficial to form a primary authority agreement with us.

Primary authority agreements

We have a number of well-established primary authority agreements in place with a variety of businesses in our area. The scheme has been operating successfully for a number of years and is available to relevant businesses based within or outside the area. The scheme is nationally recognised and aims to provide consistency and assurance on a legal basis in relation to a wide range of regulatory affairs. Although this is a chargeable service we can provide you with an initial assessment meeting at no cost to see if the scheme may be right for you. Further information in relation to primary authority can be found on Gov.UK.

Food labelling advice for businesses

Often new food and drink businesses or those developing new product ranges contact us for regulatory compliance advice. This helps them to get things right from the start for example with their food or animal feed labelling. It can also include advertising on leaflets, websites or social media. Starting from as little as £70 you can book a one hour virtual compliance check with one of our experts. This work can be carried out via telephone/email and we can look at your labels and electronic marketing and provide initial feedback to you. Further work if required would be at the same rate per hour. Please get in touch to find out if we can help you in this way.

Business Companion

Business Companion provides information for businesses and individuals that need to know about trading standards and consumer protection legislation.

Home authority principle

The home authority principle has been developed by food and trading standards services as an aid to good enforcement practice and is supported throughout the United Kingdom. The aim of the principle is to aim to provide businesses with a ‘home authority’ source of guidance and advice, provide a system for the resolution of disputes and ensure that there is effective liaison between local authorities. This helps us to ensure high standards of public protection are maintained.

Trading standards

Information for consumers

Information for business

Age restricted products

Petroleum and explosives

Public weighbridges

Weights and measures services

Related information